Editorials

Body Sculpturing after Weight Loss/Large Weight Loss

Obesity is the accumulation of excess body fat that leads to health problems the most serious of which include: Hypertension, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Stroke, Obstructive Sleep Apnea and degenerative joint disease. Those patients with a Body Mass Index of 35-40 with associated health problems qualify for weight loss surgery. BMI = Weight in pounds/ (Height in Inches) squared x 703. The type of weigh loss procedure can have different effects on weight loss and on long term nutritional status. The most commonly performed procedure is the Gastric Bypass/ Laparoscopic Gastric bypass performed in the USA with weight stabilization within the first 9-12 months with significant weight loss of approximately 60-70 %.

Getting overweight/obese is due to many factors such as caloric intake, decreased activity, high set point for body weight, environment as well as genetic factors. After Bariatric Surgery the patient’s Body Mass Index (BMI) decreases and is followed closely by the bariatric multidisciplinary team (bariatric surgeon, weight loss counselor, nutritionist/dietician and exercise specialist) when patients reach a BMI of 28 they have safer as well as better aesthetic outcomes after post bariatric surgery body sculpturing.

Various educational sources such as the American Society of Bariatric Surgery, National Institute of Health have long recognized the need for multidisciplinary care of the massive-weight loss patient. Life-style changes, education, protocol follow up with associated special postoperative requirements requires a multidisciplinary team of health care specialists.

Large weight loss after bariatric surgery results in excess skin and tissue of the abdomen, inner and outer thighs, arms and breasts. Patients self esteem and body image are affected about the appearance caused by loose skin/tissue.

Many studies have shown that body sculpturing after bariatric surgery improves the patients self esteem and physical problems such as rashes/intertrigo and difficulties in common day to day activities. Performing body sculpturing procedures for those patients who have lost significant weight is dramatic and satisfaction is high. The plastic and reconstructive surgeon must have an open line of communication with the patient’s bariatric surgeon as well as multidisciplinary team following the patient after surgery to achieve the best possible body sculpturing results.

David Fellows, M.D., M.F.A.
Plastic & Reconstructive surgery
Master of Fine Arts Figurative Sculpturing